Shut Up and Dribble

John Seed, known as the Father, preaching to his followers. Photo Credit: Chloee Toro

Please note that these articles ONLY reflect the viewpoints of those who wrote the article. These articles do not reflect of the views of the newspaper advisor, The Pritzker Press, Pritzker College Prep, or the Noble Network.

By Joshua Marchan ’18

“This is what happens when you attempt to leave high school a year early to join the NBA,” she said. “Oh, and LeBron and Kevin? You’re great players but no one voted for you. Millions elected Trump to be their coach. So keep the political commentary to yourself, or as someone once said, shut up and dribble.”-Laura Ingraham

Well then. One might as well have told Muhammad Ali to shut up and fight. Oh wait.

My mind can’t fathom where exactly Ingraham is going with these comments. According to her logic, only those who are elected officials are allowed to discuss politics. As generic and cliche as this sounds, the last time I checked, we were given the right to speak our mind. This isn’t the first time Ingraham has given comments like these. In 2003, she released a book titled “shut up and sing “, which discussed the exact same topic only with singers.  LeBron, as well as other sports athletes, have a constitutional right to discuss. They’re given the spot light so they have every right to use that privilege to speak about topics that concern them.

Fortunately other athletes and coaches have all backed up LeBron in this situation.  Head coach of the San Antonio spurs, Gregg Popovich, stated that Ingraham’s comments were arrogant. He also praised LeBron James by stating how much of a good influence he’s been on the league. It’s worth noting again that Ingraham seemed bothered by the fact that someone not as “educated” as her had a better spotlight regarding these issues. However, LeBron James has proven to the league that he’s more than capable to to discuss these issues. Ever since coming to the league at 18 years old, LeBron James as never once showed himself in a bad image. He’s been an extraordinary role model for the young kids watching the league. If LeBron and other athletes won’t speak on these issues, then who will. Current politicians seem to argue like little children when

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